What creature is making this hole?

[M Brennen]

I have been finding holes around the base of my chicken coop. Something is trying to get under. I have hardware cloth and so far nothing has gotten under. Unfortunately the game camera is always on the wrong side. I guess the creature is camera shy. Any ideas? My best guess is chipmunk or rat.

 

[Aapomp831]

Looks like an regular old mouse hole to me. Put your chicken feed away at night and try to get rid of any food waste on the ground. Mice attract snakes - snakes loves omelets and baby chicks. They can also kill bantam and small chickens such as silkies.

 

[M Brennen]

Looks like an regular old mouse hole to me. Put your chicken feed away at night and try to get rid of any food waste on the ground. Mice attract snakes - snakes loves omelets and baby chicks. They can also kill bantam and small chickens such as silkies.

I used to have mice and rats in my chicken coop. I have secured it recently very well with new metal doors and 1/4 inch hardware cloth around the base. I think they are still trying to get in. I don’t worry much about snakes here in northern Vermont, but thanks for the advice.

 

[Aapomp831]

I used to have mice and rats in my chicken coop. I have secured it recently very well with new metal doors and 1/4 inch hardware cloth around the base. I think they are still trying to get in. I don’t worry much about snakes here in northern Vermont, but thanks for the advice.

Yea mice are smart little jerks, unfortunately.

 

[aart]

Something is trying to get under.

Trying but not succeeding, correct?
I occasionally find dig marks around my run, they hit the apron and give up.
Could be anything from a fox to a coon to a skunk to a squirrel to..... a mouse.

 

[Al Gerhart]

Practice feed security and sanitation. Put your bulk feed in metal barrels or trash cans then get a proper treadle feeder to protect the food during the day as well as at night. Without a constant source of feed the rodents will have no choice but to leave and find natural foods.